Me: I guess you guys haven't seen enough action, so this chapter should give you that, plus
more! Mainly, this focuses on Ash and his quest to capture Lugia.
Misty: Hey! What about me?! We're supposed to complete this journey together, remember?
Me: Trust me-you'll be in it, too. I don't own Pokemon, nor do I own "One" by Denisse Lara
from the Pokemon: The Movie 2000 soundtrack!
Misty: That's a nice song. (sniffles; motions toward me) And people say men don't know how to
be sympathetic in this century...
(in enters Ash, trailed by Chikorita and Pikachu)
Ash: Hey-I'm sympathetic, aren't I Pikachu? Chikorita?
(Pikachu and Chikorita nod)
Me: Sure-go to the Pokemon for sympathy.
Pokemon: The Power of Two
Chapter XVI-Ash against Lugia!
"Our friendship is gonna be the stuff of legend." -Lex Luthor, Smallville
In the previous adventure, Ash finally pushed aside his pride and apologized to Misty for what
he'd done to her and asked for forgiveness. She forgave him almost immediately, even
apologizing to Ash for what she'd said about him. Our heroes were soon on the way back to
Shamouti Island, but Ash and Misty had been gone from the Orange Islands so long, they'd
forgotten which way to go! Luckily for our trio of trainers, they'd run into Maren, the young
woman who Ash and Misty had been lucky enough to find before and they were able to get a ride
back to Shamouti. Now, with Melody teamed up with Ash, Misty and Brock, our heroes now have
to help Ash hunt down and capture Lugia, rumored to be one of the most powerful Psychic
Pokemon known to man...
(Theme song; Fanfare starts as Misty says the name of the episode)
Misty: (excited; her voice is like it sounded when she introduced "Ash Catches a Pokemon!")
Ash against Lugia!
Once again, as the sun rose to another glorious morning, Ash Ketchum found himself thinking
about life in general-what he was going to do once they'd run into Lugia, what Pokeball he
should use to capture it and why he felt all the pain whenever something happened to one of the
Legendary Pokemon, but not Misty.
"Technically, Lugia is a Psychic/Flying type, so he should already know what I'm going to do.
That doesn't make things go any easier for me. Should I use the Heavy Ball I was originally
gonna use on Ho-oh and catch Lugia, or should I just use the Master Ball and avoid a big
battle? And, why do I have to feel the pain whenever something happens to one of the Legendary
Pokemon, but not Misty? She's said it to me lots of times-we're supposed to be a team, good or
bad!" At that moment, one of Ash's Pokeballs burst open, but to his surprise, it wasn't Chikorita
this time.
"Espeon, what are you doin' out? It isn't even time for breakfast!" Ash liked to talk with
Espeon through the Psychic link she'd created the day he'd captured her in a one-on-one match
between Espeon and Chikorita.
"I figured I could help you with at least one of your problems, if not all of them. True, Lugia
does know about the upcoming battle, but this is a battle he has been waiting for since the day
he first appeared to you from the waters below Shamouti. Your Pokemon have grown stronger,
so be warned-he will not hesitate to use full power on you, if necessary." Ash grinned, clenching
his hand into a fist.
"That suits me just fine-I wouldn't expect anything less, especially from Lugia!"
"Also, since you were planning to use the Heavy Ball on Ho-oh, you should use the Master Ball
on Lugia, but only after you've battled him enough so that he'll be too weak to even try to think
about escaping." With the smile still on his face, Ash petted Espeon and stroked her back. In
Ash's eyes, that was the first time he'd ever shown his Psychic Pokemon he cared about her.
"Do you know why I can only feel pain, and not Misty whenever something happens to the
Legendary Pokemon?" Slightly downcast, Espeon shook her head.
"Sometimes, even Psychic-types have their limits. If I knew, I would tell you, Ash. Honest, I would." Ash nodded in agreement and suddenly looked up when he heard his name being called.
"Ash, where are you?"
Still using his Psychic link, Ash spoke to Espeon while pulling out a Pokeball. "That's Misty.
She sounds even more worried about me than usual. I'll let you out for breakfast in a few
minutes, Espeon. Return!"
"I'm over here, Mist!" Misty came over to Ash, her cheeks reddened slightly and worry stretched
all across her face.
"I'm okay, Misty. I just had to think, that's all. We've started over, and I'm not about to abandon
you now. Did you need something?"
The Water Pokemon trainer eyed her boyfriend, then just pulled him into a tight hug, wanting to
feel his presence next to her.
"I'm sorry, Ash. I don't mean to worry, it's just that...usually, it takes a Thunderbolt from
Pikachu to wake you up, and now it seems like you're up with the dawning of the sun."
"I don't mean to worry you. How about this-if I get up in the morning to think or to train, I'll
leave you a note by your bag to tell you so you won't worry, okay?" Nodding, Misty leaned
forward and pecked Ash on his nose, giggling as his cheeks rapidly changed color seconds
afterward.
"Hey! If you two are done playing kissyface, then come on over and eat, otherwise, Pikachu's
gonna cover your food with ketchup." Brock cracked, a wicked grin on his face.
Ash and Misty broke apart, irritation written over their faces.
"We wait until after breakfast, then we clobber him."
"Okay by me."
Deep below the waters of Shamouti, a Legendary Pokemon flowed with the waters, not exactly
blending in with the colors of the water, but being one with the forces of nature. Once again, his
white skin made him visible to anyone who would be foolish enough to dive that far below sea
level. The blue ridges still along his back were, at the moment, pinned along the sides of his
body, allowing him room to swim, and to wait for the return of an old friend.
"He's almost back...Just a little farther, and one of the greatest battles in Pokemon history will
finally take place."
"You're positive this isn't mentioned in any sort of prophecy?" Ash asked Melody, his eyes
narrowed to slits as Maren carried him, Misty, Melody, Brock, Pikachu and Togepi safely across
to Slowking's temple on her boat.
"The part you mentioned about you and Misty-of course! We just found out about that a few
months ago, just after your match against that Oak kid. I've never heard anything about a Team
Rocket leader wanting to capture the Legendary Pokemon from Johto, however."
"That's real comforting, Melody." Brock muttered. Misty grabbed Brock by his ear and pulled
him away.
"Don't start that again! You may have interrupted Ash and me earlier this morning, but if there's any conversation I don't want you interrupting, it's about the Legendary Pokemon!"
"Toge-toge-prrrrrrri!"
Ash and Pikachu listened with patience how the prophecy mentioning himself and Misty was
portrayed with the people of Shamouti.
"Makes what happened the last time we faced the Legendary Birds with Lugia's help seem like a
fairy tale, huh Pikachu?"
"Pikachu!" The Lightning-type smiled at his best friend and nodded, until the waters started
churning roughly and the boat was rocked back and forth!
"Waaaa! Hang on, Pikachu!" Ash warned, grabbing Pikachu and holding on tight.
"Pika piiiii!"
Looking over to Misty, Brock and Togepi, Ash saw that they'd been knocked to the ground. He
inched his way toward them, taking a glance to his left and seeing Melody imitating his
movements.
"Mist! Brock, are you guys okay?" Ash yelled out over the storm that had suddenly started up.
"Yeah! We're all fine." Misty responded. Above, Maren was trying to aim the boat for
Slowking's temple, but they hadn't quite made it to shore yet. A second later, a whirlpool burst
up from below them and carried them toward the island!
"Whoa! Talk about deja vu." Ash cracked cynically.
"Pikachu."
The whirlpool that had carried Ash and his friends to safety suddenly burst open, revealing a
very powerful Pokemon, one of the most powerful ones known to man, but considered a myth.
"Lugia..." Ash whispered, not even noticing Slowking appear near the boat and bow respectfully.
Now I can begin to tell the story
A legend's not a legend 'til it ends
Together, we can celebrate the glory my friends, my friends...
It's amazing to think you can do anything when you believe in yourself
Unbeknownst to Ash or any of his friends, Lawrence's airship was making its way back toward
Shamouti Island.
"You're sure he has to come by here?" Giovanni asked grimly, gritting his teeth every time Gary
Oak twirled the Master Ball on his index finger.
"Of course! It's the only spot throughout the Orange Islands that this Pokemon's been seen at."
"And it's the spot where Lugia and that Ketchum boy defeated me the first time!" For once, the
collector seemed angry. That intrigued Giovanni, to see his partner plagued with emotion. It
proved that he was still human.
"Those twerps are always heroes!" Jessie complained sadly.
"And we're always zeroes. Haven't we been down this road before, Jess?" James whined
impatiently.
"Sure we have, Jimmy, but this time, we'll help the twerp weaken that Lugia so he can capture
it-we just won't tell him that, though!" Meowth declared.
"Wobbuffet!"
"Welcome back, Chosen Ones. Are you ready for our confrontation, Ash?" Ash knew Lugia was
speaking to everyone there, but he was focusing more on the Psychic link between himself and
Espeon. That, and he'd specifically mentioned his name.
"Yeah. I don't expect you to go easy on me just 'cause we're friends."
"I don't plan to, since you and your Pokemon have indeed grown stronger since our last
encounters." Ash plucked three Pokeballs and one Heavy Ball from his belt, motioning for
Pikachu to head out onto the battlefield.
"I choose...EVERYBODY!!!"
Entei exited the Heavy Ball, roaring proudly in the daylight. Charizard fired a quick blast of fire
before glancing at his surroundings and remembering what had occurred the last time he'd been
here. Chikorita almost jumped into Ash's arms before she looked up and saw Lugia. A
momentary stint of fear grabbed the tiny Grass Pokemon and she leaped into Ash's arms for
protection. Ash calmed Chikorita down with quiet soothing.
"Don't worry, Chikorita. I'm gonna do everything in my power to make sure Lugia doesn't hurt
you. We've overcome more terrifying battles than this, haven't we?" Calmed by hearing Ash's
voice, Chikorita nodded before happily covering his head in a bathe of Sweet Scent.
Ash laughed quietly before noticing Espeon near his feet, awaiting his orders.
Looking back up at Lugia, his eyes piercing the Legendary Pokemon's eyes, Ash whispered two
words that started the entire match.
"Let's begin..."
Chorus: One voice can make a difference, one move can go the distance
The greatest battles have been overcome with one heart, one mind, by one love, one life
That's the power of one...
The Psychic/Flying Pokemon flew upward, patiently waiting for his adversary. Ash worriedly
turned to Misty, who was watching him calmly.
"What's wrong, Ash?" Ash grimaced as he started shaking before responding.
"I don't think I can do this, Misty. Working with Lugia was tough enough, and having to fight
him was twice as hard! Now I gotta try and capture him? What if I mess this up, like I messed up our relationship? What if something happens to me or to one of my Pokemon?" Misty held Ash's
hand in her own, comforting him with that single gesture.
"Ash, you're a great trainer, and a great friend. I know you are, especially if you can get
Chikorita to calm down. I had my chance to be a hero in lots of occasions during this adventure,
and you did too. Gary took away your chance for glory against Ho-oh, and that probably changed
history. What you do today can ensure that we all see tomorrow. So, if you need a reason to go
out there, do it for Pikachu! Do it for Chikorita, Charizard, all your Pokemon! Do it for Brock,
Tracy, Richie, Casey, Melody, everyone who's lives you've touched just by being there. And
especially...do it for me."
His confidence restored, Ash turned to his Pokemon and quickly jumped on Charizard's back,
Pikachu and Chikorita joining him.
"Time to battle, guys!"
Anybody here can be the hero, you could even change history
What we do today will save tomorrow (save tomorrow) for you and for me
So whoever you are, and wherever you're from, prove it to the rest of the world!
"Charizard, maximum Flamethrower! Chikorita, use your Razor Leaf to distract Lugia, first.
Pikachu, after Charizard goes, use your Thunder attack!" Ash growled confidently, knowing
Misty, Melody, Maren, Brock and Slowking were all watching from below.
"Chiko!"
"CHARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Pika...CHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!"
Chikorita's Razor distracted Lugia for a minute, but that was all the others needed-Charizard's
Flamethrower struck Lugia in the stomach, and the Legendary Pokemon was temporarily
wounded. Then, Pikachu's Thunder attack hit, and Lugia wailed in pain, severely weakened.
"Espeon, use your Swift attack!" Quickly, the Psychic-type sent a number of stars at Lugia's
unprotected back, which caused him to shriek in anguish before turning toward Ash and opening
his mouth wide. A tiny ball appeared a few seconds later, but steadily grew bigger.
"Entei, Fire Blast!" The Legendary Fire-type shot a star of fire toward Lugia, but a bubble
protected him, and his attack, from the Fire Blast move. Ash gritted his teeth, and pondered his
next move.
Melody gasped in shock, knowing what attack that was, and worried for Ash's safety, even if he
was the Chosen One.
"What's wrong, Melody?" Misty asked.
"That's Lugia's Aeroblast-his most powerful attack!" Misty looked up to Ash and yelled, "ASH,
LOOK OUT!"
"Huh?" Ash looked up and saw what the others saw-Lugia preparing to launch his attack.
Chorus: One voice can make a difference, one move can go the distance
The greatest battles have been overcome with one heart, one mind, by one love, one life
That's the power of one...
Lugia roared defiantly as he summoned all his power and fired the powerful attack directly at
Ash's Charizard. They could do nothing but watch as it came closer, and closer, and closer
until...
"Wobbuffet, Counter it!!!" a voice demanded from a few meters above Ash's head.
"Wobbuffet!" Ash and the Pokemon gasped as Wobbuffet appeared in front of them and barely
absorbed the massive attack before sending it flying back toward Lugia. The powerful Pokemon
shrieked one last time as the attack hit him, sending him spiraling toward the waters below.
"Waaa! Master Ball-GO!!" Ash grabbed the Master Ball and tossed it at Lugia's unconscious
form, worried that his injuries were too severe. The Master Ball hit Lugia and pulled him in a
second later.
"Chiko!" The Grass-type used her Vine Whip attack to grasp the unbeatable Pokeball before
handing it back to Ash.
"Thanks, Chikorita." Ash watched from his position above his friends as the Master Ball shook
and rattled before it finally pinged and stopped shaking.
"WE GOT THE LEGENDARY POKEMON!" Ash whooped happily, once again going into his
famous pose with Chikorita tucked under his right arm and Pikachu perched on Ash's left
shoulder.
"Pi pikachu!"
"Chiko!"
That's when Ash heard a faint humming and turned to see Lawrence III's airship.
Things around...(things around are coming)
Nowhere left...(there's nowhere left to run)
Rise to meet...the challenge (rise to meet the challenge)
Believe in the power of one
Ash also noticed that Team Rocket were making their way toward the airship in their restored
balloon, but he wasn't mad. They'd helped him in capturing Lugia, so they couldn't be all bad.
"Are you guys ready to battle Gary?" Ash asked, seeing Gary exit the airship on top of Ho-oh.
The Pokemon who were with him nodded in agreement.
"I'm gonna help you in this battle, Ash!" Smiling, Ash looked down to see Misty, on top of
Suicune and next to Raikou and Entei. Espeon had positioned herself on top of Entei's back, so
she could jump up and be caught by Ash. Strangely enough, it actually happened like that.
"Good luck, Chosen Ones!" Slowking exclaimed as they started forward toward Gary; the
Master Ball popped open and Ash saw Lugia, completely restored from the previous attacks, fly
alongside Charizard.
"Are you ready, Ash?" Ash knew both Lugia and Espeon were asking him, so he nodded and
spoke out loud.
"I'm ready..."
Chorus: One voice can make a difference, one move can go the distance
The greatest battles have been overcome with one heart, one mind, by one love, one life, with
one touch, one smile
That's the power of one!
Talk about hanging off a ledge! Now, with all his Pokemon behind him, as well as most of
Misty's Water Pokemon ready to help, Ash has to battle Gary for Ho-oh's freedom. Can they
accomplish what they set out to do? Find out next time!